Featured Project

Artist: [Duskin Wayne]

Artwork Title: Tension in the Artifact

Medium: Oil on Museum-grade Hardboard

Dimensions: 36 x 24" (1.5" depth) Note: Image may appear larger than actual size for display purposes.

Dressing/Finish: Metal Floater Frame (gold)

Created: Fall 2024

Price: $22,200 (available)

Artwork Statement:

Cutting Edge Cubism; Rituals of the Body was a project I created while attending Metropolitan State University. The painting "Tension in the Artifact" challenges viewers to confront the philosophical and emotional tensions surrounding body-modifying rituals and the deeply ingrained cultural practices that shape how we perceive the human body. The distorted, cubist form of the figure is an exaggerated expression that invites reflection on how such rituals, like circumcision, influence our beliefs we adopt. Through the fragmented representation, the piece forces us to examine whether we engage with these practices critically or simply accept them based on tradition, challenging the sore thinking habits that often govern our perceptions which influence social constructs such as fashion, etc.

The work is intended to provoke philosophical discomfort, encouraging viewers to question their assumptions about the body, gender, and identity. Is our understanding shaped by rational inquiry, or are we influenced by emotional and ideological biases that cloud our judgment? By embracing this tension, "Tension in the Artifact" sparks conversations about the ways rituals influence thought and how they reflect deeper societal values, urging us to examine whether we think responsibly about our beliefs or fall prey to unquestioned habits.

At its core, the piece seeks to inspire critical self-reflection and provoke controversial thoughts on body autonomy and cultural values. It calls for an examination of the habits of thought that shape how we engage with the world, inviting viewers to challenge their assumptions and embrace the discomfort of questioning entrenched beliefs.

ART-ifacts are tools that may provoke thought about deeply ingrained cultural practices and their influence on society; in this case how the human body is perceived and valued.

See slide below for more information about the project.